The Ferozepur division of Northern Railways has launched a 15-day safety drive in areas under its jurisdiction to create awareness on safety measures to be taken at unmanned level crossings.
A release issued by the local railway authorities here on Wednesday said that the drive
launched on November 22 was aimed at curbing accidents at such crossings. This has been done on the orders of the Railway Board.

During the safety drive, officers of the railways will organise public awareness campaigns to educate road users, particularly drivers of vehicles, on the rules of crossing unmanned crossings. The officers will also interact with students of educational institutes and drivers who drive school or college buses to ferry students.

"We are concentrating on drivers of school/college buses or vans as in the past a lot of accidents involving these vehicles have occurred at such crossings. In a hurry to reach schools or colleges in the morning hours, drivers often disregard safety norms," the release said while quoting Ferozepur divisional railway manager Naresh Kumar Goel.

The safety drive will also involve educating road users about the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act and the Railway Act. The drive will also encompass the villages along or close to railway lines in Ferozepur division.

During the 15-day period, special teams of the railways will check the 'whistling habits' of drivers of railway engines. According to rules of the Railway Board, drivers must keep their hands on the whistle lever/button of the engine while approaching such crossings or even manned level crossings.

Special teams have also been formed to keep a check on those trying to cross manned crossings, which have been shut down due to the approaching train.

The release noted that this habit of road users, particularly in cities and towns, often led to mishaps.

The drive will also involve organising joint checks involving Railway Protection Force, Government Railway Police and other railway personnel at all level crossings to apprehend and challan errant road users and violators of safety norms.

During the period, officials will also check on speed breakers on both sides of level crossings, whistle boards and road signs showing that a railway crossing or track is ahead. Spots where these do not exist will be earmarked and the authorities concerned of the state government will be informed.